By Sagar V. Mankar Ironmouse, a popular VTuber, became the most-subscribed Twitch streamer, surpassing Kai Cenat’s previous record. VTubers, or virtual YouTubers, stream using anime-style avatars instead of appearing as themselves, and Ironmouse has risen to prominence as one of the most beloved figures in the VTubing community. This achievement capped off a remarkable subathon event that not only shattered records but also raised significant funds for the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF).
Ironmouse, a Puerto Rican-American content creator and founding member of the VTuber group VShojo, has captivated millions with her diverse content. Known for her singing, gaming, voice acting, and variety streams, she now boasts over 2.1 million Twitch followers. Her journey, however, has not been without challenges. She suffers from common variable immune deficiency (CVID), a chronic illness that affects her immune system and has left her largely homebound. Despite these obstacles, Ironmouse has consistently used her platform to raise awareness and funds for causes close to her heart, particularly those related to immune deficiencies.
Her record-breaking subathon saw Ironmouse accumulate an astonishing 314,146 active subscribers, surpassing Kai Cenat’s previous record of 306,261. The event was part of Twitch’s “Subtember” campaign, which offered discounts on subscriptions and bonus gifted subs through a gacha-like mechanic. This feature allowed participants to potentially gain extra subscriptions, further boosting Ironmouse’s numbers. Notably, Twitch itself contributed over 12,000 paid subscriptions through this initiative.
In response to her historic milestone, Ironmouse expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supporters. “Words cannot express how I am feeling nor can they express my gratitude,” she tweeted. “Thank you all so much for the incredible support and for changing my life. WE DREAMED BIG AND WE DID IT!” Her achievement was also celebrated by Twitch, which hailed her as “THE Demon Queen” in a congratulatory post.
Half of the proceeds from Ironmouse’s subathon will be donated to the Immune Deficiency Foundation, reflecting her ongoing commitment to supporting individuals affected by immune disorders. This isn’t her first notable accomplishment—in 2023, she was named Content Creator of the Year at The Game Awards, becoming the first VTuber to receive the honor.
Kai Cenat, known for his own record-breaking subathon last year, congratulated Ironmouse during a recent press conference. He acknowledged her achievement while hinting at a potential comeback. “I want to congratulate Ironmouse for breaking my record,” he said. “But I promised my supporters something if it was broken, so we’ll see what happens next.”
The friendly rivalry between top streamers like Ironmouse and Kai Cenat highlights the dynamic and engaging nature of the Twitch community. While subscriber counts often serve as informal markers of influence, they also showcase the power of community-driven efforts to support meaningful causes.